Program Highlights

Launched in the fall of 2016, Silver Lake College’s Work College model, SLC Works, is an enhanced learning opportunity that is designed to integrate real-world work experience and academics. SLC Works students work in virtually every office on campus, directly contributing to and impacting Silver Lake College and the individuals who work and learn here.

First Catholic College to become a work college and eighth college in the nation

Holistic approach to the college experience, all geared toward preparing students for a successful career after college

Allows all students the opportunity to contribute financially to their education and graduate with less debt

Helps students navigate the critical balance between academics, work and extracurricular activities in a developmental and learning-focused setting

Residential students are required to work an average of 10 hours a week in return for a tuition credit and receive a biweekly amount for discretionary spending

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About SLC WOrks

The Program:

The Work College model helps students develop skills like: teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, professional communication, leadership and much more.

Matthew Goff, Dean of SLC Works, said of the program:

“Employers have shared two major challenges about recent college graduates who are in the job market – they need more soft-skill development and prior professional work experience to fit employment qualifications. SLC Works students will be in professional roles from the very beginning of their time at Silver Lake College, not only gaining valuable life lessons, but applying what they are learning in the classroom to everyday work experiences. To that end, the Work College model allows our students to graduate from college with less debt and several experiences that lead to landing their first job.”

The SLC Works program is embedded in the mission of the college as we strive to create life-long learners with a mutual respect and concern for people.

Key Outcomes:

Understand the value of “work” and the important role that every position and department plays in making an organization function effectively and successfully.

SLC Works Dean

Matthew Goff earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Master of Education degree in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Prior to coming to Silver Lake College, Goff worked in student leadership development positions in the department of residential life at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and most recently in student life at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc.

To SLC Works, Goff brings his experience in training, leadership development and adult learning in higher education. He has developed and taught coursework, and served as an adviser to emerging student leaders and other student organizations.

Goff leads the ongoing development of the SLC Works. He is responsible for providing strategic and day-to-day leadership for the student employment program in alignment with the college’s mission, values and cultural principles.

“I believe in the holistic approach that Silver Lake College takes with students and that the best possible experience a student can have comes through blending academics, extracurricular experiences and work,” Goff said.

Matthew Goff earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Master of Education degree in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Prior to coming to Silver Lake College, Goff worked in student leadership development positions in the department of residential life at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and most recently in student life at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc.

To SLC Works, Goff brings his experience in training, leadership development and adult learning in higher education. He has developed and taught coursework, and served as an adviser to emerging student leaders and other student organizations.

Goff leads the ongoing development of the SLC Works. He is responsible for providing strategic and day-to-day leadership for the student employment program in alignment with the college’s mission, values and cultural principles.

“I believe in the holistic approach that Silver Lake College takes with students and that the best possible experience a student can have comes through blending academics, extracurricular experiences and work,”Goff said.

Testimonials

“Working and going to school at the same time is valuable because it ties everything together and makes so much more sense. Bookwork and fieldwork are completely different, and getting to have that real-world experience will be so helpful in my future career.”

— Megan Sheahan ‘15

“This is what makes Silver Lake unique: the people, the energy that goes around, and how everyone is so positive with each other. They challenge you, because they believe in you.”

— Fernanda Torres ‘19

Did you know?

88%

of Work College graduates say their work program experience was important to reduce their college costs.

75%

of Work College graduates say their work program experience helped them prepare for their first job.

83%

of Work College graduates credit their work program experience with making them effective problem-solvers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about SLC Works with this helpful information about the Work College model here.